THE Department of Works and Highways is fully aware of the current natural disaster induced landslips, washouts and flash floods occurring throughout the country due to the continuous wet weather condition experienced in the country.
Minister for Works and Highways Hon. Solan Mirisim in a statement today said that he has received reports from Regional Managers on the conditions of all the highways that has been affected and DoWH is looking to address it immediately.
Mr. Mirisim says there are systems in place to address emergencies situations that arises and we are looking into these established systems to speed up these emergence restoration works in all the affected roads.
“Let me assure the country that my Department is committed to respond to the emergency works around the country in a timely manner.
“From reports and assessments from our fields engineers we estimate that the emergency and restorations work will cost around K60 million to respond and restore nationwide emergency within two weeks’ time.
“Key amongst them is to utilize the existing contractors who are working on this section on multi-year contracts to carry out the emergency repairs on a proactive basis to restore traffic flow that has been blocked by the natural disaster.
“For long term solution DoWH is looking to design and build climate resilient infrastructures that will withstand such natural disasters due to climate change induce-weather conditions which has resulted in unpredicted weather patterns.
“From the reports that we’ve received there are some sections of the Key National Highways that has been affected and there are;
- Kainantu to Goroka,
- Goroka to Chimbu,
- Part of Western Highlands
- Wabag to Porgera (section restored as of Monday 5pm)
- Sections of Bulolo Highway (Kumalu River)
- East to West New Britain
- Madang to Ramu,
- Bogia (section of North Coast Highway).
- Nawae Bridge
“In order for Emergency restoration to be completed we are appealing to the impacted communities to work together with the Works engineers and contractors to restore flow of traffic.
“Natural Disasters is not the doing of the government and therefore in this critical period we urge the road side communities to cooperate with the authorities to ensure that the restoration works is completed and normalcy is restored.”
